I picked you up outside the rehab lookin like a winter rain Shakin like a worn out engine tryin hard to start again You said I’m tryin brother I just need a place to land So I cleared the seat turned down the radio and held out my hand I called you every mornin just to hear if you were still alright Some days you sounded steady some days you were barely fightin But I kept on callin anyway cause that’s what real friends do You don’t let a man drown when he’s reachin out to you I gave you a hand up not a handout A little work a little hope something to build on now Paid a bill or two when the world got loud Cause climbin back from the bottom ain’t a straight line route Yeah I gave you a hand up not a handout Maybe I can’t save you that ain’t what this is for But if you find your way back to yourself I’ll know I opened one good door I gave you a hand up not a handout Held the rope while you climbed even when you slipped down Cause everyone deserves one friend who sticks around Yeah I gave you a hand up Not a handout
